Designboom_ UNESCO and INTERPOL have joined forces on an innovative project to create the first virtual museum focused on stolen cultural artifacts. The project, set to launch in 2025, is backed by an initial funding commitment from Saudi Arabia and is estimated to cost around $2.5 million. The primary objective of this initiative is to raise awareness about the illicit trafficking of stolen cultural property and aid in the recovery of stolen objects. Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of UNESCO, aptly points out, ‘Behind every stolen work or fragment lies a piece of history, identity, and humanity that has been wrenched from its custodians, rendered inaccessible to research, and now risks falling into oblivion.’By collaborating with Interpol, the virtual museum will utilize their extensive database of over 52,000 stolen artifacts, transforming these items into 3D representations

Architect Francis Kéré, known for being the first African architect to receive the Pritzker Prize, is responsible for the design of the virtual museum, drawing inspiration from the central atrium of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and shaping it in the form of a baobab tree, which holds significant cultural and spiritual value in Africa.

UNESCO‘s virtual museum will serve as an educational tool, not only for authorities and cultural professionals but also for the general public, with a particular focus on younger generations. It will offer visitors a realistic experience, allowing them to explore virtual galleries, access educational resources, and gain an understanding of the importance of protecting cultural heritage.

Within the virtual museum, visitors will interact with 3D renderings of stolen artifacts, accompanied by detailed information about their history and cultural significance. Additionally, the project places a strong emphasis on incorporating stories and testimonies from the communities to which these artifacts belong, providing a more profound connection to the objects on display.